In England, more than 1,000 GPs have voiced their opinions on the assisted dying bill in discussions with BBC News. The views of three doctors, Dr. Abdul Farooq, Dr. Susi Caesar, and Dr. Gurpreet Khaira, are highlighted, each with differing perspectives on assisted dying. Dr. Farooq is resolute in his opposition to assisted dying due to his religious beliefs as a Muslim, which emphasize the sanctity of life as a gift from God. His stance is unwavering, and he firmly states that he would never cross the “red line” of being involved in any manner in assisting a patient in ending their life.
On the other hand, Dr. Caesar, with over 30 years of experience as a GP, recently lost her father who was a strong advocate for assisted dying. Her personal experience with her father’s terminal illness has shaped her belief in patient choice at the end of life. Dr. Caesar is determined to support assisted dying and is prepared to actively participate in facilitating patients to have the death they desire. She emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and the comfort of being able to choose how one dies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Khaira, who has first-hand experience as a breast cancer patient, finds herself in a conflicted position regarding assisted dying. She strongly believes in the importance of having a choice at the end of life, drawing from her own challenging experience with cancer treatment. Despite her personal beliefs, as a doctor, she is concerned about vulnerable patients being influenced or coerced into choosing assisted dying. Balancing her personal convictions with her professional responsibilities leaves Dr. Khaira feeling conflicted and in a “very guilty place.”
As the debate on the assisted dying bill continues in Parliament, GPs like Dr. Farooq, Dr. Caesar, and Dr. Khaira are confronted with the possibility of working in the area of assisted dying if the bill becomes law. The decision to partake in assisting patients with end-of-life choices will be a personal one for each doctor, shaped by their individual beliefs and experiences. If the bill is passed, doctors will have the option to opt out of participating in assisted dying practices, with the potential implementation of the law still years away even if it gains parliamentary approval
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